Paul G. Wakefield

Bill's distinctive style makes him effective as a first chair litigator and as a lead transactional lawyer. He had done both successfully for major corporations for decades. Drawing from his experience as in-house counsel, including as Chief IP Counsel for Lear Corporation, Bill offers sophisticated business judgment that is rare in private practice. His in-house experience includes service for the US Army, BASF, SC Johnson, and Detroit Diesel. As evidence of his breadth and depth, Bill has s...

Rachel Smith has a wide range of knowledge stemming from her extensive experience over the past two decades. With a degree in Electrical Engineering, she focuses on software, supplier, and medical device businesses, aiming to ensure that their IP protection aligns with their business needs and goals. Rachel is a registered patent attorney and focuses primarily on domestic and foreign patent prosecution in the electrical arts. Rachel consults clients from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. Sh...

Elizabeth Favaro is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Elizabeth, who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Rasschaert manages all aspects of litigation and serves as trial counsel for the defense of hospitals and healthcare providers in medical malpractice litigation, premises liability, and use of force claims. His practice is focused on the defense of healthcare providers and health systems in all facets of litigation, from initial investigation through trial. Mr. Rasschaert is a Birmingham native having graduated from Seaholm High School. He received his J.D. in 2006 from Thomas M. Cooley L...

Jared Trust is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Jared, who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jared is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul Thursam is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Corporate Law. Paul, who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William L. Thompson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. William L., who practices law in Birmingham, Michigan, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nationally recognized trial attorney John Joseph (J.J.) Conway has legally navigated the complexities of disability, employee health benefits, and ERISA law since 1999. Founding J.J. Conway Law on the principle of helping people secure the employee benefits rightfully owed to them, Conway has recovered more than $100 million for his clients and won landmark class-action lawsuits in favor of families and retirees. Among his focus areas, Conway is a trailblazer in advocating for children’...

Nicholas Papasafakis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Nicholas, who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Diane M. Soubly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - ERISA. Diane M., who practices law in Birmingham, Michigan, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Diane M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.